Table 1 Key areas of comparison, highlighting convergences and divergences

Area of comparison Convergence Divergence
Epistemology Emphasis on investigation, evidence, causality 1st vs 3rd person methods; validity of introspection; differing goals (liberation vs. description)
Interdependence Dependent origination & systems theory, ecology, quantum physics Different metaphysical assumptions; soteriological vs. descriptive aims; superficial analogy risk
Consciousness Shared interest; collaboration potential (neuroscience) Materialism vs. non-reductionism/primacy of mind; 1st/3rd person gap; 'Hard Problem'
Rebirth (Minimal convergence) Incompatibility with physicalism; lack of evidence; philosophical critiques
Karma (Limited: psychological conditioning?) Lack of evidence (trans-lifetime); scientific vs. moral causality; performative function
Self (Anattā) Apparent resonance with 'constructed self' in neuroscience Conflation (soteriological vs. descriptive); functional role of self; therapeutic risks
Aims/values Shared interest in well- being (surface) Liberation/ethics vs. description/control; science & power vs. non-harming/detachment